The sus2/4 (often written sus24) chord omits the third and includes both 2 and 4 above the root with the fifth (1-2-4-5). It is maximally open and quartal-leaning: perfect for drones, modern jazz voicings, and cinematic pads where harmony should float without major/minor commitment.
Construction
Formula: 1-2-4-5. In Csus24, include C-D-F-G in some register arrangement.
Usage
Modal vamps, ambient textures, and guitar voicings that emphasize fourths and seconds.
Examples
- Film scoring for wide landscapes
- Modern jazz quartal stacks on static bass
- Pop production for “in-between” harmony
Play
Spread voices; avoid doubling that blurs the sus color; resolve by moving 2 or 4 into a third when desired.
Ear-training cues
No third, with both second and fourth present around a stable fifth.
